Introduction to Afflictions
In The Krawl, afflictions are the ever-shifting tides of fortune that flow through combat, exploration, and
narrative moments. These temporary states arise from the intersection of magic and mortality, shaping heroes and
villains alike through the raw forces of the world.
Beneficial afflictions elevate mortals beyond their natural limits, granting glimpses of divine power or cosmic
understanding. Harmful afflictions drag the mighty low, reminding even the greatest heroes of their fundamental
vulnerability. Both serve the greater narrative, creating moments of triumph and despair that define legendary
tales.
Core Mechanics:
Application: Applied via successful attacks, failed saves (d20 + ability + Level vs. Base
Difficulty 10/15/20), or narrative triggers.
Duration: Typically 1d20 rounds in combat or until save succeeds (end of turn). Narrative
durations apply outside combat.
Critical Results: Natural 20 ends effects; natural 1 worsens them.
Stacking: Same-name effects don't stack; similar effects combine.
Removal: Beneficial afflictions fade naturally; harmful afflictions removed via spells, relics,
or successful saves.
Elemental Forces
The primal elements respond to neither mortal law nor divine will, caring nothing for the intentions of those
they touch. Fire burns with equal passion whether wielded by saint or sinner, while ice preserves both the pure
and corrupt in its crystalline embrace.
Source: Fire magic, environmental hazards | Save:
CON vs. Difficulty Level 15
The victim's flesh smolders with supernatural fire that spreads pain through every nerve. This is not mere
physical burning but a conflagration of the spirit that makes even the slightest movement agony. The flames
feed on fear and desperation, growing brighter when their victim struggles.
Mechanical Effect: Take ongoing damage equal to source's D modifier (minimum 1) at start
of turn. -2 to all DEX-based rolls and -1 H due to excruciating pain.
Duration: Until save (CON vs. Difficulty Level 15) succeeds or flames are doused with
significant water or similar substance.
Source: Ice magic, extreme cold | Save: CON vs.
Difficulty Level 12
An unnatural cold seeps into bone and marrow, slowing thought and movement with each passing moment. The
victim's breath mists with each exhalation as their life force itself begins to crystallize. In the grip of
this chill, even hope feels distant and sluggish.
Mechanical Effect: Movement speed halved; -2 to initiative and DEX rolls, -2 H. On natural
1 attack roll, freeze in place completely (skip next turn).
Duration: 1d20 rounds or until warmed by significant heat source (fire, magic, etc.).
Source: Lightning magic, electrical hazards | Save:
DEX vs. Difficulty Level 15
Static energy courses through the victim's body in visible arcs, making their hair stand on end and their
metal equipment spark dangerously. The electrical field disrupts fine motor control while creating a dangerous
aura that punishes those who draw too close.
Mechanical Effect: -3 H due to static interference. When struck in melee, attacker takes
half damage dealt back as electrical feedback.
Duration: Until grounded (touching earth/metal) or save (DEX vs. Difficulty Level 15)
succeeds.
Source: Toxic substances, venomous creatures | Save:
CON vs. Difficulty Level varies
Venom or toxin courses through the victim's bloodstream, weakening them with each heartbeat that spreads the
corruption further. Their skin takes on an unhealthy pallor as the poison attacks both body and mind, making
even simple tasks feel overwhelming.
Mechanical Effect: Take 1d20/2 damage (round down) per turn. -1 to all ability rolls and
-1 H per stack of poison (maximum -3 total).
Duration: Until save (CON vs. Difficulty Level 10 + poison level) succeeds or antidote
administered.
Source: Divine magic, holy relics | Dismissal:
Voluntary
Sacred light emanates from the blessed individual, banishing shadows and filling onlookers with hope and
reverence. This radiance burns with the purity of divine truth, revealing hidden things and causing creatures
of darkness to recoil in fear and pain.
Mechanical Effect: +2 to WIS and INT rolls; +1 H against undead and evil creatures;
illuminate 30-foot radius (negates darkness penalties). Undead and evil creatures take +2 damage from your
attacks.
Duration: Until end of combat encounter or voluntarily dismissed.
Source: Weather magic, storm spirits | Discharge:
Absorbs one major attack
The fury of the storm cloaks the protected individual in crackling energy and howling winds. Lightning dances
harmlessly across their skin while beneficial breezes guide their actions. They move with the confidence of
one who has tamed the very heavens.
Mechanical Effect: Complete immunity to lightning damage; +3 to saves vs. elemental
effects; +2 H from enhanced reflexes. Ranged attacks gain additional +1 H from favorable winds.
Duration: One scene or until ward discharges by absorbing one major attack (20+ damage).
Source: Nature magic, druidic blessings |
Disruption: Uprooted or combat ends
The life force of growing things flows through the blessed individual, causing small plants to sprout around
their feet and flowers to bloom in their wake. Their connection to the natural world grants them vitality and
the friendship of all growing things.
Mechanical Effect: Regain d20/4 HP (round up) per turn; +2 to CON rolls; +1 D from natural
bark-like skin. Plants assist you on command (entangle foes, create cover, etc.).
Duration: Until narratively uprooted from natural ground or combat encounter ends.
Physical Conditions
The mortal form, for all its resilience, remains bound by flesh and bone. These conditions remind heroes that
beneath their legendary deeds lies the fundamental vulnerability of physical existence—and occasionally grant
them glimpses of what lies beyond those limitations.
Source: Severe wounds, cutting weapons | Treatment:
Healing or medical aid
Crimson life force seeps steadily from grievous wounds, each drop carrying away strength and resolve. The
victim's movements become increasingly labored as their defensive capability diminishes with their failing
vitality.
Mechanical Effect: Lose HP equal to attacker's D modifier each turn; -1 defensive H per
stack of bleeding (maximum -3 total).
Duration: Until magically healed (d20+ HP restored) or bandaged (Medicine check Base
Difficulty 10).
Source: Serious injury, targeted attacks | Recovery:
Rest or healing magic
A significant injury has compromised the victim's physical capability, whether through damaged limbs, torn
muscles, or injured joints. Every movement serves as a painful reminder of their vulnerability and mortality.
Mechanical Effect: Movement speed halved; -3 to STR and DEX rolls involving the affected
limb or body area; -2 H due to physical impairment.
Duration: Until rested overnight in safety or treated with magical healing.
Source: Overexertion, prolonged activity | Recovery:
Rest
Bone-deep weariness weighs down every action and thought. The victim's body rebels against further demands
while their mind struggles to focus through the fog of complete fatigue.
Mechanical Effect: -2 to all rolls; -2 H, -1 D; cannot benefit from haste effects or take
extra actions of any kind.
Duration: Until short rest (1 hour) completed or save (CON vs. Difficulty Level 15) succeeds.
Source: Protective magic, defensive relics | Break:
Critical hit received
Supernatural resilience hardens the blessed individual's form, making their skin like steel and their bones
like adamant. They stand unmoved by lesser threats, a bastion of strength against the chaos of battle.
Mechanical Effect: +3 defensive H and +3 to saves vs. physical effects; +1 D (ignore first
1 point of damage from each attack).
Duration: Until struck by critical hit (natural 20) or scene ends.
Source: Speed magic, alchemical enhancement | Opposed
by: Slow effects
Time itself seems to bend around the blessed individual as they move with impossible speed and precision.
Their enhanced reflexes make the world appear to slow, granting them the luxury of careful consideration in
moments of desperate action.
Mechanical Effect: +3 to initiative and DEX rolls; +2 H from enhanced reflexes; gain one
extra action per turn (movement or attack only, not full actions).
Duration: 1d20 rounds or until countered by slowing effects.
Source: Strength magic, heroic inspiration | Fade:
Major exertion
Superhuman strength flows through the blessed individual's muscles and sinews, granting them the power to
perform legendary feats of might. They move with the confidence of one who could reshape the world with their
bare hands.
Mechanical Effect: +2 to STR rolls and damage; +1 H, +2 D from enhanced strength;
advantage on all lifting, breaking, and feat-of-strength checks.
Duration: Until combat ends or after performing major feat of strength.
Source: Agility magic, fey blessings | Lost: When
prone or restrained
Grace and precision enhance every movement as the blessed individual gains an almost supernatural awareness of
their body and surroundings. They flow like water around obstacles and threats, untouchable as morning mist.
Mechanical Effect: +3 to DEX rolls; +3 defensive H from enhanced agility; once per turn,
dodge one attack as reaction (force enemy reroll, keep worse result).
Duration: Until knocked prone, restrained, or otherwise immobilized.
Source: Monster abilities, physical restraint, magical binding |
Save:
DEX vs. Difficulty Level varies
The victim is held in a firm grip that restricts movement and makes them vulnerable to further attacks.
Whether by monstrous claws, magical bonds, or sheer physical strength, they find themselves unable to escape
the grasp of their captor.
Mechanical Effect: Cannot move from current position; -2 H when defending against attacks;
attackers gain +2 H when targeting you; must use action to attempt escape.
Duration: Until successful escape attempt (DEX vs. Difficulty Level varies by source) or
grappler is incapacitated.
Source: Weeping Shade abilities, despair magic, emotional
manipulation | Save:
WIS vs. Difficulty Level 13
A profound melancholy settles over the victim's spirit, draining their enthusiasm and making all endeavors
feel pointless and futile. Their usual spark of determination dims as they become overwhelmed by a sense of
hopelessness and sorrow.
Mechanical Effect: -1 H to all attacks; -1 H to all defenses; -2 to CHA-based rolls;
cannot gain inspiration or morale bonuses.
Duration: Until save (WIS vs. Difficulty Level 13) succeeds or source of despair is removed.
Mental & Social States
The mind proves as malleable as any physical substance when touched by magic or extreme circumstance. These
effects reshape thought, emotion, and social bonds, sometimes elevating mortals to wisdom beyond their years,
other times reducing them to base instinct and confusion.
Source: Enchantment magic, supernatural charisma |
Break: Source causes harm
Supernatural influence clouds the victim's judgment, filling them with unnatural affection and loyalty toward
their manipulator. Their own desires become secondary to pleasing the one who has captured their heart and
mind.
Mechanical Effect: Cannot attack the source; must assist them when possible; -3 to saves
against effects from the source; -2 H when forced to act against allies.
Duration: Until save (WIS vs. Difficulty Level 15) succeeds or source directly harms the
victim.
Source: Mind magic, psychic attacks | Clarity:
Taking damage
Reality becomes uncertain as the victim's perception of friend and foe, threat and safety, becomes hopelessly
scrambled. They lash out randomly, unable to distinguish between allies and enemies in their muddled state.
Mechanical Effect: 50% chance each turn to attack random target (ally or enemy); -2 to all
INT and WIS rolls; -3 H due to inability to properly target.
Duration: 1d20 rounds or until taking damage (which snaps focus back to reality).
Source: Fear effects, intimidation | Overcome:
Source defeated
Primal terror overwhelms rational thought as the victim confronts something that speaks to their deepest
fears. Their body trembles with the instinctive knowledge that they face something far beyond their ability to
oppose.
Mechanical Effect: -3 H and -3 to saves while source is visible; must flee or hide if
possible rather than approach threat.
Duration: Until source is defeated, leaves area, or save (WIS vs. Difficulty Level 15)
succeeds.
Source: Heroic deeds, stirring speeches | Lost:
Social failure
Divine purpose fills the blessed individual with magnetic charisma and unshakeable confidence. Their presence
uplifts others, making even impossible dreams seem achievable through shared determination and hope.
Mechanical Effect: +3 to CHA rolls; +1 H from confidence boost; advantage on morale and
persuasion checks; allies within sight gain +1 to their rolls.
Duration: Until failure on a social interaction roll or scene ends dramatically.
Source: Meditation, mental magic | Break: Major
distraction
Crystal clarity of thought allows the blessed individual to perceive patterns and solutions invisible to
distracted minds. They see through deception and complexity with the serene confidence of perfect
understanding.
Mechanical Effect: +2 to INT and WIS rolls; +1 H from clarity of thought; ignore one
concentration-breaking event per turn.
Duration: Until major distraction occurs (taking damage, loud noise, etc.) or voluntarily
dismissed.
Source: Fury magic, extreme provocation | Calm: No
enemies remain
Berserk fury overwhelms all rational thought as the affected individual becomes a living weapon of
destruction. Their increased combat prowess comes at the cost of tactical thinking and personal safety.
Mechanical Effect: +3 to STR-based damage but -2 defensive H; must attack nearest enemy
each turn (no tactical choice allowed).
Duration: Until no enemies remain in sight or calmed by save (CHA vs. Difficulty Level 15).
Source: Soul magic, deep bonds | Break: Narrative
choice
A mystical connection binds hearts and minds, allowing perfect understanding and communication beyond words.
This profound intimacy grants great power to help others but also shares their pain and vulnerability.
Mechanical Effect: Sense allies' HP and emotions within 100 feet; +2 to all rolls when
aiding linked individuals (healing, buffs, etc.).
Duration: Permanent until broken by mutual agreement or extreme trauma.
Source: Sleep magic, pixie dust, enchantment | Save:
WIS vs. Difficulty Level 10
The victim falls into a deep, magical slumber from which they cannot easily awaken. Their consciousness
drifts in dreamless sleep while their body remains completely vulnerable to the world around them. This
is not natural rest but an enforced state of unconsciousness that leaves them defenseless.
Mechanical Effect: Cannot take actions, move, or defend; attackers gain +2 H against you;
automatic critical hits on melee attacks.
Duration: Until save (WIS vs. Difficulty Level 10) succeeds, taking damage, or being shaken
awake.
Magical & Mystical Effects
When arcane forces touch mortal beings, reality itself bends around the intersection of magic and flesh. These
effects transcend mere physical or mental influence, altering the very nature of existence for those blessed or
cursed by their touch.
Source: Curse magic, divine displeasure | Remove:
Blessing magic
Dark fate follows the cursed individual like a malevolent shadow, turning fortune against them at every
opportunity. Even their greatest successes become hollow victories as the universe itself seems to conspire
against their happiness.
Mechanical Effect: -2 to all rolls; -2 H, -1 D; 50% chance natural 20s become natural 1s;
attracts narrative misfortune (DM-set complications).
Duration: Until removed by appropriate magic (Blessing of Renewal spell or similar divine
intervention).
Source: Life-draining magic, undead touch | Restore:
Rest or life magic
The victim's very life essence has been siphoned away, leaving them a pale shadow of their former vitality.
Their movements lack vigor, their thoughts come slowly, and even their spirit seems diminished as fundamental
energy continues to leak from their being.
Mechanical Effect: Maximum HP reduced by 25% (round down); -2 to all ability rolls; cannot
regain HP through normal rest until condition ends.
Duration: Until full rest (8 hours) in consecrated area or restored by life magic.
Source: Silence magic, throat injury | Break: Dispel
magic
An unnatural quiet surrounds the victim, swallowing all sound they attempt to make. Their lips move
soundlessly while magical energies refuse to respond to their voiceless commands, leaving them isolated in a
bubble of enforced silence.
Mechanical Effect: Cannot speak, cast spells with verbal components, or communicate
verbally; -3 to social rolls requiring speech.
Duration: 1d20 rounds or until dispelled by appropriate magic.
Source: Disease magic, corrupted creatures, magical waste |
Save:
CON vs. Difficulty Level varies
A supernatural illness courses through the victim's body, weakening their constitution and spreading
corruption.
Their skin takes on an unhealthy pallor as the disease attacks both body and spirit, making even simple
tasks feel overwhelming while the corruption continues to spread.
Mechanical Effect: -1 H due to disease weakness; -2 to CON rolls; cannot regain HP through
normal rest until condition ends.
Duration: Until cured by magic or successful CON save (Difficulty Level varies by disease
type).
Source: Divine favor, holy ritual | Lost: Evil act
Divine favor shines upon the blessed individual, surrounding them with an aura of fortune and righteousness.
Luck bends in their favor while their noble purpose inspires others to acts of heroism and self-sacrifice.
Mechanical Effect: +2 to all rolls; +2 H, +1 D; can reroll one natural 1 per scene;
attracts positive narrative events.
Duration: Until performing an evil act or one full day passes.
Source: Divination magic, mystical awakening |
Overload: Too much magical exposure
The blessed individual perceives the invisible currents of magic that flow through all things, seeing auras of
power and the true nature of enchanted objects. This supernatural perception reveals secrets hidden from
ordinary sight.
Mechanical Effect: See magic auras; identify spell effects and magical items on sight; +3
to rolls involving magic detection; see invisible creatures.
Duration: One scene or until overwhelmed by intense magical exposure.
Source: Shapeshifting magic, curse | Revert:
Condition dependent
The affected individual's physical form has been altered by magical forces, taking on new shapes and
capabilities. Whether blessing or curse, the transformation fundamentally changes how they interact with the
world around them.
Mechanical Effect: Form-dependent abilities and limitations; typically gain new movement
or sensory capabilities while losing others; social interactions may be heavily modified.
Duration: Varies by transformation type and source; may require specific conditions to
reverse.
Status & Conditional States
These conditions represent temporary changes in circumstance, position, or capability that arise from tactical
decisions, environmental factors, or the dynamic flow of conflict. Unlike mystical afflictions, these states
respond to immediate action and clever thinking.
Source: Knockdown attacks, slipping | Recovery:
Stand up action
The victim lies flat against the ground, whether from being knocked down or having fallen. Their prone
position makes them vulnerable to certain attacks while providing some protection against others.
Mechanical Effect: -3 H on all attacks; attackers gain +2 H on melee attacks against you;
+2 H against ranged attacks targeting you; movement speed halved.
Duration: Until character spends action to stand up (requires half movement).
Source: Grappling, entanglement | Escape: STR or DEX
check
Bonds, magic, or physical force hold the victim immobile, severely limiting their ability to defend themselves
or take meaningful action. They strain against their constraints while enemies press their advantage.
Mechanical Effect: Cannot move; -3 H on attacks and DEX saves; attackers gain +2 H against
you; can only make basic attacks.
Duration: Until escape (STR or DEX vs. restraint difficulty) or restraint is
broken/dispelled.
Source: Ambush, stealth attacks | Recovery: End of
first turn
Caught completely off-guard, the victim struggles to react to sudden threats. Their mind races to catch up
with rapidly changing circumstances while their body remains sluggish to respond.
Mechanical Effect: Cannot act on first turn of encounter; lose any DEX bonus to defensive
calculations; attackers gain +3 H against you.
Duration: First round of combat only.
Source: Stealth, concealment | Revealed: Attack or
detection
The character has successfully concealed themselves from enemy awareness, whether through skillful stealth,
magical invisibility, or clever use of terrain. They strike from shadows with devastating precision.
Mechanical Effect: +3 H on first attack; first attack deals +1d20 damage; enemies cannot
target you specifically until revealed.
Duration: Until you attack, are detected, or move into open area.
Source: Superior positioning | Lost: Position
changes
Through clever maneuvering, the character has gained a significant tactical advantage over their opponent.
Their positioning allows them to exploit weaknesses in their enemy's defenses while avoiding retaliation.
Mechanical Effect: +2 H on attacks against flanked target; +1 damage from improved
positioning; flanked enemy loses DEX bonus against your attacks.
Duration: Until positioning changes or target moves out of flanking position.
Source: Elevated position | Lost: Leave elevation
The character commands an elevated position that grants both tactical and psychological advantages. Their
elevated stance provides superior lines of sight while making enemy approaches more difficult.
Mechanical Effect: +1 H on ranged attacks; +1 defensive H against melee attacks from
below; improved visibility for perception checks.
Duration: Until character leaves elevated position.
Game Master Guidance
Afflictions serve as powerful narrative and mechanical tools that can transform routine encounters into
memorable moments of triumph or despair. Use them to create dynamic battlefield conditions and reinforce the
themes of your campaign.
Narrative Integration:
Afflictions should feel meaningful within the story context. A character Blessed before a climactic battle
carries different weight than random magical enhancement. Consider how each affliction reflects the larger
themes of heroism, vulnerability, and the price of power that define The Krawl.
Application Guidelines
Combat Application: Use afflictions to reward tactical thinking and creative spell use. A
well-placed ice spell should create ongoing tactical challenges through Chilled effects, while a heroic speech
might grant Inspired status to struggling allies.
Environmental Sources: Let the world itself apply afflictions through environmental hazards,
magical phenomena, and atmospheric conditions. Ancient battlefields might Curse trespassers, while sacred groves
grant Verdant Growth to those who show proper respect.
Emotional Resonance: The most memorable afflictions arise from dramatic moments. The Burning
that comes from sacrificing oneself to save others carries different narrative weight than damage from a mundane
fire trap.
Balancing Difficulty
Stacking Effects: While same-name effects don't stack, similar effects can combine in
interesting ways. A character who is both Exhausted and Drained faces compounding challenges that require
creative solutions.
Player Agency: Always provide meaningful choices for dealing with afflictions. Whether through
saves, narrative actions, or tactical decisions, players should feel they can influence their fate rather than
being passive victims.
Escalation and Relief: Use beneficial afflictions to provide moments of empowerment,
especially after periods of hardship. The Mighty strength that comes from righteous fury feels earned after
enduring Cursed misfortune.
Creative Applications
Beyond Combat: Many afflictions create interesting opportunities for exploration and social
encounters. Arcane Sight might reveal hidden magical politics in a court intrigue, while Silenced characters
must find creative ways to communicate crucial information.
Character Development: Use long-term or recurring afflictions to drive character growth. A
recurring Curse might become a defining character trait that shapes how others perceive them and how they view
themselves.
World Building: Let afflictions help establish the tone and themes of different locations. A
realm where Blessed individuals are common suggests divine favor, while areas plagued by Draining effects hint
at dark powers at work.
Remember: Afflictions are tools for creating memorable moments, not mere mechanical effects.
Each one should serve the story while providing interesting tactical challenges. When in doubt, choose the
option that creates the most compelling narrative consequences while maintaining game balance.
